The course › Unit 4: Reading the treble clef
Lesson 20 of 72 · G on the 2nd line, middle C just below
The sign at the start of the staff is the treble clef, also called the G clef. It’s what gives the notes their names: its curl wraps around the 2nd line, and that line becomes the G line.
This G is the G above middle C, the one under your pinky (5) in right-hand C position.
G, on the 2nd line, where the clef curls around.
Did you know?: The treble clef is an old letter G that got rounder and fancier over the centuries: that’s why it’s also called the G clef. It’s used for the piano’s right hand and for high instruments: violin, flute, trumpet…
Middle C is too low to fit on the staff: it’s written just below it, on its own ledger line, which runs through it like a dash.
Along with G, it’s your second landmark: a note you recognize at a glance, without thinking. Between the two, there are three notes left (D, E, F): you’ll read them in the next lesson.
Middle C on its ledger line, G on the 2nd line.
Why this way: The Faber and Frances Clark methods teach reading from a few landmark notes, recognized instantly, and then by intervals from them, instead of decoding every note one by one. It’s faster, and it works all over the keyboard.
Read the note and play it in its exact place: middle C (on its little line) or the G of the clef (2nd line).
Nothing lights up: read the staff. Middle C with your thumb, G with your pinky. The note to play is in pink; after two mistakes, the keyboard helps you.
Read each little group of notes from left to right, then play it.
As many right notes as you can in 30 seconds! This keyboard has several Cs and several Gs: play exactly the ones on the staff.
Your two landmarks in music, in rhythm this time. Just two notes, like two bells: middle C (thumb) and G (pinky). The computer plays the chords.